53.25' 1983 Islander 55

1983 YachtCraft Islander 55 Custom Pilothouse Motorsailer

ONE OWNER SINCE COMPLETION • GERMAN-ENGINEERED CUSTOM CONSTRUCTION • EXCEPTIONALLY MAINTAINED

This extraordinary YachtCraft Islander 55 is a true one-of-a-kind custom pilothouse motorsailer, owned by the same owner since her original construction and completion. A German engineer by profession, the owner approached every aspect of the vessel with exceptional precision, organization and meticulous attention to detail.

That level of care remains evident throughout the boat today. From the pilothouse and living accommodations to the machinery spaces, workshop, electrical installations and onboard systems, the vessel is perfectly spotless in presentation and outstandingly maintained.

The vessel began with a heavy fiberglass hull manufactured by Islander Yacht Corporation and sold through YachtCraft Corporation in Costa Mesa, California. During her custom completion, the hull, keel and transom were modified, and a one-piece fiberglass deckhouse, enclosed pilothouse and purpose-built cruising interior were added. She was completed and documented as a 1983 model.

Measuring 53'3" overall with a 14' beam and 6' draft, she features a long keel with approximately 15,000 pounds of internal ballast, a protected propeller aperture and a balanced rudder. Her hand-laid fiberglass construction incorporates alternating layers of mat, woven cloth and roving.

Power is provided by a Detroit Diesel 4-53 four-cylinder diesel rated at 140 horsepower. The engine drives a two-inch stainless-steel propeller shaft and a 28-inch Hundested three-blade bronze propeller with externally adjustable pitch. A Northern Lights diesel generator supports the vessel’s onboard AC systems when away from shore power.

The enclosed pilothouse offers excellent visibility and direct access to the starboard side deck. Below, the split-level arrangement creates an unusually open and versatile interior incorporating a large galley, main salon, two sleeping areas, two heads, a separate shower and tub compartment, aft cabin, dedicated workshop and excellent machinery access.

The 57-foot aluminum mast, boom, standing rigging and associated deck hardware are installed. However, the vessel does not currently have sails and is being offered without a sail inventory. The next owner will therefore have the opportunity to commission new sails specifically suited to their intended cruising and operating plans.

For a buyer who appreciates individual engineering, substantial fiberglass construction, protected pilothouse operation and remarkable attention to detail, this custom YachtCraft Islander represents an opportunity unlike anything available from a conventional production builder.

PRINCIPAL SPECIFICATIONS

• Model year: 1983

• Type: Custom pilothouse motorsailer

• Rig configuration: Sloop

• Hull type: Fiberglass monohull

• Length overall: 53'3"

• Beam: 14'

• Draft: 6'

• Height from keel to top of pilothouse: Approximately 16'

• Gross tonnage: 41 GRT

• Net tonnage: 37

• Internal ballast: Approximately 15,000 pounds

• Fuel type: Diesel

• Fuel capacity: Approximately 310 gallons

• Freshwater capacity: Approximately 100 gallons

• Holding-tank capacity: Approximately 30 gallons

• Sleeping areas: Two

• Heads: Two

• Helm stations: One

HULL AND CONSTRUCTION

The vessel is based on an Islander Yacht Corporation fiberglass hull originally manufactured in Costa Mesa, California and sold through YachtCraft Corporation. The hull was extensively modified during the vessel’s custom construction and completion.

• Hand-laid fiberglass construction

• Alternating fiberglass mat, woven cloth and roving

• Reported hull thickness of approximately 5/8" at the sheer and 2"+ at the keel

• Long keel with internal ballast

• Approximately 15,000 pounds of internal ballast

• Modified transom

• Protected propeller aperture

• Balanced fiberglass-covered rudder

• Stainless-steel internal rudder structure

• Two-inch stainless-steel rudder shaft

• Removable skeg at the after end of the keel

• Molded fiberglass deck and superstructure

• Molded nonskid deck surfaces

• Fiberglass toe rail

• Stainless-steel bow pulpit and stern rail

• Stainless-steel stanchions

• Double stainless-steel lifelines

• Custom 316 stainless-steel cleats

• Exterior handrails

• Approximately two-foot-wide side decks

• Twin custom forward deck boxes

• Nine Goiot cast-aluminum deck hatches

• Laminated tinted-glass hatch panels

• Polyurethane exterior and interior coatings

ENGINE AND PROPULSION

The machinery arrangement was designed around straightforward access, with removable and hinged floor panels providing access to the main engine, transmission, shafting, generator and supporting systems.

• Detroit Diesel 4-53

• Four-cylinder, two-cycle marine diesel

• 212-cubic-inch displacement

• Rated output: 140 HP

• Reported engine time: Approximately 600–650 hours

• Borg Warner marine transmission

• Mechanical throttle and shift controls

• Heavy laminated longitudinal engine beds

• Freshwater engine cooling

• Raw-water-cooled wet exhaust

• Groco raw-water strainer

• Insulated exhaust system

• Two-inch stainless-steel propeller shaft

• Bronze packing gland

• Hundested three-blade bronze propeller

• Propeller diameter: 28 inches

• Externally adjustable propeller pitch

• 12V Delco-Remy engine alternator

• 24V Balmar high-output alternator

• Machinery-space sound insulation

• Removable and hinged machinery-space floor panels

GENERATOR AND ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS

• Northern Lights diesel generator

• Three-cylinder diesel engine

• Approximately 6 kW output

• Approximately 46 indicated hours

• 120/240V AC output

• 12V and 24V DC electrical systems

• Two 125V/30A shore-power inlets

• AC source-selector system

• AC and DC circuit-breaker panels

• Two lithium-ion 8D house batteries

• Two Group 27 AGM starting batteries

• Four 8D batteries serving the inverter bank

• Separate 24V battery system for the bow thruster and windlass

• Trace Engineering 1,500-watt inverter

• Xantrex battery-charging equipment

• Statpower Truecharge battery charger

• Shore-power cables and connectors

PILOTHOUSE AND HELM

The enclosed pilothouse provides a protected, all-weather navigation and operating station with large windows and broad visibility. A sliding entrance door is located on the starboard side, with a sliding window to port.

• Single pilothouse helm station

• 32-inch stainless-steel and teak steering wheel

• Yacht Specialties cable-and-quadrant steering

• Bronze steering quadrant

• Stainless-steel steering cable

• Danforth compass

• Captain’s helm chair

• Mechanical engine controls

• Analog and digital engine instrumentation

• Tinted laminated-glass pilothouse windows

• Clear forward windows for improved nighttime visibility

• Direct access to the aft cabin

• Interior access to the salon, galley and machinery spaces

ELECTRONICS AND NAVIGATION

• 1.    1- FURUNO RADAR, 3.5ft. open Radiator, Model# 1761 ( 0.25 -36 nautical miles)

  2.    1- RAYMARINE c95 Course Plotter & RS 125 GPS Receiver.

  3.    1- AUTOHELM ST 7000 Autopilot system.

  4.    1- RAYMARINE p70 Autopilot system.

  5.    1- RAYMARINE iS0 Tridata Depth & Speed Instrument.

  6.    1- RAYMARINE i60 Wind Speed & Direction Instrument.

  7.    1- STANDARD GX2400S VHF/FM Marine Transceiver.

  8.    1- STANDARD LH10 Loud Hailer.

  9.    1- DANFORTH 5" dia. Gimbal COMPASS ( Steering Pedestal)

  10.    1- 6" Brass Bell with Clamper.

BOW THRUSTER AND GROUND TACKLE

• Vetus water-jet bow-thruster system

• Three-inch cast-iron thruster pump

• 5 kW, 24V DC motor

• Directional water-flow valve

• Pilothouse-mounted thruster controls

• Lighthouse 24V windlass

• 65-pound Bruce anchor

• Approximately 400 feet of 3/8-inch galvanized BBB chain

• Chain stop

• Through-deck hawse pipe

• Dedicated chain locker

GALLEY

The split-level galley incorporates a large L-shaped counter with separate working and serving heights. Three counter seats connect the galley with the main salon, creating an open and social living arrangement.

• Corian countertops

• Stainless-steel bullnose trim

• Rosewood counter accents

• Large rectangular stainless-steel sink

• Princess two-burner electric cooktop

• Kenmore refrigerator

• Sylvania microwave

• Extensive upper and lower cabinetry

• Tile galley flooring

• Three counter seats

• Adjacent hanging locker

• Splendide combination washer and dryer

• Air-conditioning unit

• Kenmore central vacuum system

MAIN SALON

Three steps lead from the galley into the spacious main salon. The split-level design preserves the open feeling between the two areas while providing separate spaces for cooking, dining and relaxing.

• Open split-level salon and galley

• Maple hardwood and laminate flooring

• Rosewood-capped interior handrails

• Large salon sleeping area

• Overhead storage cabinets

• Entertainment cabinetry

• Electric cabin heater with simulated fireplace display

• 12V interior lighting

• Multiple hanging lockers

• Extensive built-in storage

• Interior access to the pilothouse and machinery spaces

FORWARD ACCOMMODATIONS AND WORKSHOP

The forward portion of the vessel incorporates a dedicated workshop and office area with extensive built-in storage. This highly practical space can support onboard projects, equipment maintenance, office work or additional storage.

• Fold-up maple floor sections

• V-shaped work counter

• Computer or office workspace

• Repair and hobby workspace

• Built-in steel tool chests

• Upper and lower storage cabinets

• Access to the chain locker

• Separate shower and tub compartment

• Vanity with sink and waterfall-style faucet

AFT CABIN

A dedicated companionway from the pilothouse leads to the private aft cabin.

• Rosewood companionway

• Approximately 46" x 82" berth

• Hanging locker

• Private head compartment

• Vanity with stainless-steel sink

• Mirrored storage cabinet

HEADS AND SANITATION

• Two head compartments

• Forward VacuFlush toilet system

• Aft electric toilet

• Raritan Electro Scan waste-treatment system

• Approximately 30-gallon holding tank

• Deck-mounted waste pump-out fitting

• Separate shower and tub compartment

• Stainless-steel vanity sinks

• Hot and cold pressurized water

FRESHWATER SYSTEM

• Stainless-steel potable-water tank

• Approximately 100-gallon capacity

• Pressurized freshwater system

• Jabsco freshwater pump

• Inline water filtration

• Accumulator tank

• Approximately 12-gallon electric water heater

• Deck-mounted freshwater fill

MAST, BOOM AND RIGGING

• Deck-stepped aluminum mainmast

• Approximately 57-foot mast

• 6061-T6 aluminum construction

• Tapered masthead section

• Two sets of airfoil-shaped aluminum spreaders

• Approximately 16-foot aluminum boom

• Schaefer tracks fitted to the boom

• Separate aluminum instrumentation mast

• Radar mounting platform

• Aluminum mast steps

• Stainless-steel standing rigging and hardware

• Mast, boom and associated deck hardware installed

IMPORTANT SAIL-INVENTORY DISCLOSURE

The vessel does not currently have sails and is offered without a sail inventory. The mast, boom, standing rigging and associated deck hardware are installed and provide the next owner with the opportunity to commission sails suited to their intended cruising plans.

TENDER AND DAVIT

• Walker Bay hard-bottom inflatable tender

• Honda 2 HP four-stroke outboard

• Tender cover

• Hinged tilt-down transom davit

• 12V cable winch

• Remote davit control

SUMMARY

This 1983 YachtCraft Islander 55 offers a combination rarely found in a production yacht: substantial hand-laid fiberglass construction, a long keel, protected running gear, an enclosed pilothouse, commercial-style diesel machinery, extensive tankage, dedicated workshop space and an adaptable sailing rig.

Her one-owner history is especially significant. Designed, completed and cared for by a meticulous German engineer, the vessel reflects an extraordinary level of precision and attention throughout. She remains perfectly spotless and outstandingly maintained, including her accommodations, machinery areas and working spaces.

For the buyer seeking a distinctive pilothouse motorsailer rather than another mass-produced yacht, this YachtCraft Islander presents a compelling platform for coastal cruising, extended living aboard or future long-range passagemaking.